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VVT solenoid oil leak I think - Orings only? - 3.6L (with pics)

23K views 22 replies 12 participants last post by  BCHLYF  
#1 · (Edited)
My wife's 2016 Durango Limited AWD 3.6L VVT w/ EGR has been having a weird issue for a short while. When the AC is on (fresh air only) you get a hint of oil/grease smell from the vents. Once the AC is set to recirculate, the smell goes away. This lead me to start digging around the engine bay and can't really see any leaks except around the Variable valve lift selonoid (at least I think it's the VVT selonoid) I looked down by the oil filter housing and there is some residue which I attribute to oil changes but I will be pulling the upper and lower manifolds tomorrow to get a better look. Anyway, there is obviously oil leak at the VVT selonoid as seen in the pic. I don't want to replace a working unit at the cost of $60 just for an o-ring or two and was wondering if anyone has thoughts on doing just the orings or not?

I have already replaced the PCV when I did the plugs and installed new felpro gaskets at that time, but I just ordered the upper and lower and will replace all again.

Also, does anyone know the kit pr# for the oil cooler orings? I want to avoid spending $200+ on the new style cooler unless it's the only option.

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It's a little hard to see, but this is down beside the oil filter. No pooling that I can see, but definitely some residual oil.
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#3 ·
For those that may find this thread in the future. The seal needed for the variable valve lift selonoid is Mopar part # 4893803AA.

Also, I found out we did have oil pooling up on the block from leaking oil cooler seals. The cooler appears to be in perfect shape so we are attempting the $15-50 seals first. $15 from Mopar or $50 from Victor Reinz.

The oil filter adapter / cooler seals part numbers are: Mopar 68191356AA, and Victor Reinz is 71-13599-00.

For those wondering, the oil cooler IS different for 16+ models in some cases. There is only one sensor in my cooler and the Mopar pt# is 68308741AA.

Also, looking down the oil filter housing to the valley showed very little moisture. Once I got the lower manifold off, I noticed there was about a cup of oil down there (about 1 inch deep) in the center/rear valley channels.

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#5 ·
For my 2017 I bought the upgraded aluminum oil filter housing from dorman 926-959...
I had looked around at the aluminum options, but nobody within a few hundred miles had them in stock. Since there was no signs of cracks or other damage, I figured the $36 seals option was better than $250-$300 or a many weeks wait. But, now that i know how to get to it after doing plugs and the oil cooler on separate occasions, I will keep an eye on it more closely and replace with aluminum should the time come.

Also, I didn't see it in other images. But I was worried about the difference in models since my wife's only had one sensor, but now I see in your photo that there appears to be a plug included.
 
#8 ·
So cylinder 1 and 2 are controlled by the two separate front solenoids (5047897AC) and the remaining cylinders controlled by the rear two solenoids (5047901AC).

Solenoids 1 & 3 are front
Solenoids 2 & 4 are rear

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BTW bank 1 is on the passenger side as it contains the odd cylinders.

More info about VVL
 
#11 ·
Don't buy online, buy factory so you get quality and don't have to get back into it.
 
#18 ·
I don't think the issue is with gasket or o-rings. Have anyone removed the vvl solenoid and looked inside? I have attached pictures of what it looks like in my case. On the driver side solenoid I have smaller oil leak than on the passenger side. Once I looked inside I was shocked with what I saw. To me it looks like there is definitely a cracked piece of something, that's why oil is trying to get out under pressure. Car drives smooth without any dash lights. This is very strange. Did someone notice anything like that?
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#20 ·
I don't think so. I actually took a flathead screwdriver and I felt the edges of what appears to be cracked. I also showed this picture to Chrysler mechanic and he wasn't sure what it is. Eventually I replaced both solenoids to stop the leak and the car drives smooth without any issues (knock on wood).
 
#23 ·
I have the same exact leak. I was hoping to be able to replace the o-rings rather than replacing the whole solenoid but I received this response: “Unfortunately Mopar does not sell the o-ring separately for item 5047897ac.”
I did not want to have to spend $100 for fixing a $0.20 problem. Looks like there may be no other choice though.